Kiếp nạn

/kiəp naːn/
phraseIntermediate
What It Really Means
A life filled with hardship, suffering, or misfortune, often as a result of one's actions or circumstances.
Literal Meaning
Life of disaster or calamity
Literal Breakdown
kiếplife+nạndisaster
Mental Image
A person enduring a long, arduous journey filled with obstacles and pain, often due to their own choices or external forces.
When to Use
A character in a novel describes their life as a 'kiếp nạn' after experiencing a series of tragic events, including the loss of loved ones and financial ruin.
Cultural Note
This phrase reflects the Vietnamese cultural emphasis on karma and the consequences of one's actions, as well as the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
literaryinformal

A life filled with hardship, suffering, or misfortune, often as a result of one's actions or circumstances.

Kiếp nạn của cô ấy bắt đầu từ khi cha mẹ ly dị.

Her life of suffering began when her parents divorced.

Hắn đã sống kiếp nạn vì những tội lỗi của mình.

He lived a miserable existence due to his own sins.

💡

This phrase is often used to describe a person's unfortunate life journey, emphasizing the hardships they have endured.

Collocations

trải qua kiếp nạnto endure a life of sufferingkiếp nạn của aithe suffering life of someone

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

kiếp đau khổphrase
a life of pain and suffering
kiếp bi hiểmphrase
a life filled with danger and misfortune

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is often used in storytelling or dramatic contexts to emphasize the severity of someone's hardships.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

Use this phrase sparingly, as it conveys a strong sense of suffering and should not be used lightly.

📖Word Origin

Derived from 'kiếp' (life, incarnation) and 'nạn' (disaster, calamity), this phrase combines to describe a life marked by suffering.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in literary or dramatic contexts to emphasize the severity of someone's hardships. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a particularly difficult period in one's life.

Word Breakdown

kiếp
life, incarnation
root
+
nạn
disaster, calamity
root
Từ Điển Việt Anh